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Rival skippers’ minds drift mistily back ahead of Cape Town ‘grand final’

Contrasting paths to becoming major figures of influence in world cricket have converged at Newlands for what promises to be an epic decider…

By Louis Cameron · Cricket Australia

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 8:21 PM

Key Things to Know

Captains Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma reflected on their journeys ahead of the Newlands Test series decider.
The three-match series between South Africa and Australia is tied 1-1 entering the final match in Cape Town.
Cummins recalled his 2011 debut tour experience at Newlands and framed the match as a grand final.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Australia captain Pat Cummins and South Africa captain Temba Bavuma are preparing for a decisive third Test at Newlands in Cape Town. With the series level at 1-1, both leaders reflected on their contrasting journeys in international cricket ahead of the match, which Cummins described as a "grand final."

Cummins recalled his 2011 introduction to Test cricket at Newlands as a 12th man, downplaying past controversies at the ground. Meanwhile, Cape Town native Bavuma discussed overcoming early career self-doubt and motivated his squad to avenge their 2022-23 series loss in Australia.

Read the full article on Cricket Australia

Rival skippers’ minds drift mistily back ahead of Cape Town ‘grand final’

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